10 Shockingly Chic Bicycle Helmets for Spring

This hat-helmet hybrid start with a base helmet that pairs with various covers. The style is vintage millinery. This huge, floppy, straw bonnet means you can bike like your hero Six while you ride. And don't worry about hanging on to your hat. All the cover designs "have been field tested riding 35 mph down a 12% grade to assure satisfactory performance." Wheeeeee!

Another base + swappable cover system, Casque'En Ville is brimming with French savoire-faire (or is it je ne sais quoi?). There's even an ultra-light carbon fiber base helmet. Casqu'En Ville will ship to the US, but these helmets are approved to EU standards only. They haven't yet been certified for the US market.

The Yakkay helmet system is all about options. A simple helmet base provides protection. It fits any of the 15 cute covers. The Paris style in Black Oilskin is my pick for everyday wear. But a fluffy fur cover is very Dr. Zhivago.

The first time I saw this golden beauty, I fell so hard. In love. This is the one that could turn me into one of those nerds that walks around the grocery store with her helmet on. Created by Bobbin Bicycles, Cyclechic.co.uk will ship to the US. Also sold in silver.

After noticing how many women were shopping their men's-only line of multi-sport helmets, Bern finally came up with a version for the ladies. I have to give them credit for keeping the styling simple and providing a range of colors that Pantone would approve of. And nary a drop of pink.

You really can't go wrong with a Sawako Furuno. This London-by-way-of-Tokyo designer just gets cycle chic. The beautifully tactile faux crocodile leather is hand finished with elegant stitches Produced in limited quantities. You can still get your hands on one, although they tend to sell out!

Coyle's wooden helmets are beautiful, tasteful, and totally unique. High-end furniture for your head. Each one is individually handcrafted in Oregon. But if you'd like the look for a little less paper, try the Lazer Street Deluxe Helmet in Wood Grain.

For the ultimate in cycle chic, match your helmet to the Vélib, Paris' bike share system. Giro is my go-to brand for affordable, adorable lids that are vaguely equestrian inspired. This model has a dial in the back so you can adjust the fit. A great feature if you like to switch up your hairstyle.

The typical bike helmet is designed for safety and comfort, not style.

If only that were true. I wouldn't mind wearing a plain-colored noggin-cover that was purely functional. After all, I'm never like, "I wish this seatbelt matched my shoes" while riding in a car. (Just kidding. I don't ride in cars.)

Yet sport helmet "designers" insist on covering the protective plastic surface with abstract floral designs and pink racing stripes. You know what? You can't polish a turd. You might be able to roll it in glitter. But it still stinks.